U.S. patent number 6,730,852 [Application Number 10/336,272] was granted by the patent office on 2004-05-04 for flexible distribution line cover and method of installing the same.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Tyco Electronics Corporation. Invention is credited to David Edwin Bowling, Terry Edward Frye, Laura Jackson Hiller, Luis Orlando Puigcerver, Carl Michael Stine.
United States Patent |
6,730,852 |
Puigcerver , et al. |
May 4, 2004 |
Flexible distribution line cover and method of installing the
same
Abstract
Covers for distribution lines coupled to an insulator include a
main body of a flexible polymer material. The main body is
configured to be positioned adjacent the insulator and a line
coupled to the insulator. At least one connector member is
connected to the main body. The connector member is a rigid
material configured to couple to either the insulator or the line
to attach the cover.
Inventors: |
Puigcerver; Luis Orlando
(Raleigh, NC), Bowling; David Edwin (Fuquay Varina, NC),
Hiller; Laura Jackson (Cary, NC), Frye; Terry Edward
(Cary, NC), Stine; Carl Michael (Tracy, CA) |
Assignee: |
Tyco Electronics Corporation
(Middletown, PA)
|
Family
ID: |
32176302 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/336,272 |
Filed: |
January 3, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
174/138F;
174/139; 174/5R |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01B
17/58 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H01B
17/58 (20060101); H01B 017/56 () |
Field of
Search: |
;174/5R,40R,135,138F,139,140H |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Reichard; Dean A.
Assistant Examiner: Nino; Adolfo
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Myers Bigel Sibley &
Sajovec
Claims
That which is claimed is:
1. A cover for distribution lines coupled to an insulator, the
cover comprising: a main body comprising a flexible polymer
material configured to be positioned adjacent the insulator and at
least one line coupled to the insulator; and at least one connector
member connected to the main body, the connector member comprising
a rigid material configured to couple to and contact at least one
of the insulator and the at least one line coupled to the insulator
to attach the cover.
2. The cover of claim 1 wherein the main body material has a
tensile strength of less than about 2500 pounds per square inch
(psi) and the at least one connector member has a tensile strength
greater than the main body material and at least about 1200
psi.
3. The cover of claim 2 wherein the main body comprises: a central
portion configured to be positioned adjacent the insulator; a first
line cover portion extending from the central portion; and a second
line cover portion extending from the central portion in a
direction substantially opposite from the first line cover
portion.
4. The cover of claim 3 wherein the first and second line cover
portions each comprise a corrugated portion adjacent the central
portion that increases rotational flexibility of the line cover
portions relative to the central portion.
5. The cover of claim 3 wherein the flexible polymer material and
the rigid material comprise track resistant polymer materials.
6. The cover of claim 5 wherein the at least one connector member
is selected from the group consisting of a mechanical clamp, a
displacement spring clip, a swinging clamp and a ratcheting
clamp.
7. The cover of claim 6 wherein the at least one connector member
comprises a displacement clip molded into the main body.
8. The cover of claim 6 wherein the at least one connector member
comprises a displacement clip and wherein the cover further
comprises at least one fastener that couples the at least one
connector member to the main body.
9. The cover of claim 8 wherein the at least one fastener comprises
a threaded fastener.
10. The cover of claim 5 further comprising an extender arm
releasably coupled to the first line cover portion and extending
from the central portion.
11. The cover of claim 10 wherein the extender arm comprises the
rigid material.
12. The cover of claim 11 wherein the at least one connector member
comprises a displacement clip and the extender arm and the at least
one connector member have substantially identical profiles.
13. The cover of claim 10 further comprising a second extender arm
coupled to the second line cover portion and extending in the
direction substantially opposite from the first line cover
portion.
14. The cover of claim 10 further comprising a snap connector that
couples the extender arm to the first line cover portion.
15. The cover of claim 14 wherein the snap connector comprises a
tab portion on an end of one of the first line cover portion and
the extender arm and a corresponding opening on an adjacent end of
the other of the first line cover portion and the extender arm.
16. The cover of claim 10 wherein the at least one connector member
comprises a plurality of connector members and wherein one of the
connector members is positioned in the first line cover portion to
couple to a line extending from the insulator in a first direction
and another of the connector members is positioned in the second
line cover portion to couple to a line extending from the insulator
in a second direction different from the first direction.
17. The cover of claim 16 wherein a rotational flexibility of the
first and second line cover portions accommodates a deviation of up
to about 25 degrees between an axis defined by a line extending
from the insulator under the first line cover portion and an axis
defined by a line extending from the insulator under the second
cover portion.
18. The cover of claim 17 wherein the line extending from the
insulator under the first line cover portion and the line extending
from the insulator under the second cover portion are the same
line.
19. The cover of claim 17 wherein the cover further comprises an
installation aid attachment portion in at least one of the main
body and the at least one connector member configured to engage an
end of an installation aid for installation of the cover on the
distribution lines.
20. The cover of claim 17 wherein a third of the connector members
is positioned in the central portion to couple to the
insulator.
21. The cover of claim 1 wherein the flexible polymer material and
the rigid material comprise track resistant polymer materials.
22. The cover of claim 1 wherein the at least one connector member
comprises a plurality of connector members and wherein one of the
connector members is positioned to couple to a line extending from
the insulator in a first direction and another of the connector
members is positioned to couple to a line extending from the
insulator in a second direction different from the first
direction.
23. The cover of claim 1 wherein the main body has a rotational
flexibility that accommodates a deviation of up to about 25 degrees
between an axis defined by a line extending from the insulator
under the main body in a first direction and an axis defined by a
line extending from the insulator under the main body in a second
direction.
24. The cover of claim 1 wherein the cover further comprises an
installation aid attachment portion in at least one of the main
body and the at least one connector member configured to engage an
end of an installation aid for installation of the cover on the
distribution lines.
25. A method for covering distribution lines coupled to an
insulator, the method comprising: providing a cover comprising a
main body comprising a flexible polymer material configured to fit
over the insulator and at least one connector member connected to
the main body, the connector member comprising a rigid material;
placing the cover adjacent the insulator; flexing an end of the
main body to align with one of the distribution lines extending
from the insulator; and connecting the at least one connector
member directly to at least one of the insulator or the one of the
distribution lines.
26. The method of claim 25 wherein the at least one connector
member is positioned in the end of the main body and wherein
connecting the at least one connector member comprises connecting
the at least one connector member to one of the distribution
lines.
27. The method of claim 25 wherein the at least one connector
member comprises a plurality of connector members and wherein
flexing an end of the main body comprises flexing a first end of
the main body to align with a first one of the distribution lines
extending from the insulator in a first direction and wherein the
method further comprises flexing a second end of the main body to
align with a second one of the distribution lines extending from
the insulator in a second direction, different from the first
direction, and wherein connecting the at least one connector member
comprises connecting a first one of the connector members in the
first end to the first one of the distribution lines and connecting
a second one of the connector members in the second end of the main
body to the second one of the distribution lines.
28. The method of claim 27 wherein the first end and the second end
comprise a corrugated portion adjacent a central portion of the
main body positioned between the first and second end that
increases rotational flexibility of the first and/or second end of
the main body relative to the central portion of the main body and
wherein flexing the first end and flexing the second end comprise
flexing the ends at the corrugated portion.
29. The method of claim 27 wherein connecting the at least one
connector member further comprises connecting a third one of the
connector members positioned in the main body to the insulator.
30. The cover of claim 29 wherein the main body has a rotational
flexibility that accommodates a deviation of up to about 25 degrees
between an axis defined by one of the distribution lines extending
from the insulator under the main body in the first direction and
an axis defined by one of the distribution lines extending from the
insulator under the main body in the second direction.
31. The method of claim 29 further comprising connecting an
extender arm to the first end of the main body, the extender arm
being positioned to extend over the first one of the distribution
lines in the first direction.
32. The method of claim 31 further comprising connecting another
extender arm to the second end of the main body, the another
extender arm being positioned to extend over the second one of the
distribution lines in the second direction.
33. The method of claim 25 wherein the end of the main body
comprises a corrugated end portion adjacent a central portion of
the main body that increases rotational flexibility of the end
portion relative to the central portion and wherein flexing the end
comprises flexing the corrugated end portion.
34. The method of claim 33 wherein the main body has a rotational
flexibility that accommodates a deviation of up to about 25 degrees
between an axis defined by one of the distribution lines extending
from the insulator under the main body in a first direction and an
axis defined by one of the distribution lines extending from the
insulator under the main body in a second direction.
35. The method of claim 33 further comprising connecting an
extender arm to the end of the main body, the extender arm being
positioned to extend over the one of the distribution lines
extending in the first direction.
36. The method of claim 25 further comprising connecting an
extender arm to the end of the main body, the extender arm being
positioned to extend over one of the distribution lines.
37. A method for covering distribution lines coupled to an
insulator, the method comprising: providing a cover comprising a
main body comprising a flexible polymer material configured to fit
over the insulator and at least one connector member connected to
the main body, the connector member comprising a rigid material;
placing the cover adjacent the insulator; flexing an end of the
main body to align with one of the distribution lines extending
from the insulator; and connecting the at least one connector
member to the insulator.
38. A cover for distribution lines coupled to an insulator, the
cover comprising: a main body comprising a flexible polymer
material configured to be positioned adjacent the insulator and at
least one line coupled to the insulator; and a connector member
connected to the main body, the connector member comprising a rigid
material coupled to and contacting the insulator to attach the
cover.
39. A method for covering distribution lines coupled to an
insulator, the method comprising: providing a cover comprising a
main body comprising a flexible polymer material configured to fit
over the insulator and at least one connector member connected to
the main body, the connector member comprising a rigid material;
placing the cover adjacent the insulator; flexing an end of the
main body to align with one of the distribution lines extending
from the insulator; and connecting the at least one connector
member to the insulator.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to protective covers and, more
particularly, to protective covers for distribution lines, such as
power distribution lines, and methods for installing the same.
Support structures, such as utility poles, are often used to
suspend electrical lines, such as power distribution lines, above
the ground. These support structures are generally located outdoors
and may be of a variety of different configurations to suspend one
or more lines. One problem with such lines, particularly where the
lines are power distribution lines that transmit electrical power
at high voltages, is that birds or other animals may land or climb
onto the lines. Such contact of distribution lines by animals,
particularly adjacent the support structure, may result in a shock
to the animal, possibly resulting in the death of the animal, if
the animal causes a short or electrical flashover allowing current
to flow through the animal.
For example, it is known that birds from time to time perch on
support structures such as utility poles. For certain birds, their
wing span is great enough to contact two parallel lines or
otherwise create an electrical flashover during take off or
landing. In addition, to harming the bird, such an electrical
flashover can also cause a power outage or other problem with the
power distribution system.
Various covers have been proposed to reduce the risk of electrical
shorts at utility poles. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,324
describes a bird guard wire protector made of electrical insulating
material. The protector has a central member sized and shaped to
fit over the top of an insulator attaching a power wire to a
support structure. The central member has a first connecting
structure and a second connecting structure unitarily formed
therewith and extending away therefrom. A first arm is connected to
the first connecting structure to extend away therefrom and a
second arm is connected to the second connecting structure to
extend away therefrom.
Problems may be encountered with such unitary structure covers as
the lines extending from the insulator at the support structure may
extend from the insulator at different angles. Accordingly, it is
known to heat such structures in the field so that they may be bent
to a desired angle for attachment to a particular utility pole.
However, this generally requires additional equipment and
procedures, typically in the field, to prepare the cover for
installation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention provide covers for
distribution lines coupled to an insulator. Such a cover includes a
main body of a flexible polymer material. The main body is
configured to be positioned adjacent the insulator and a line
coupled to the insulator. The adjacent position may be completely
over or partially over and/or aside the insulator. At least one
connector member is connected to the main body. At least one
connector member is a rigid material as compared to the main body
material and is configured to couple to the insulator and/or the
line to attach the cover. In various embodiments of the present
invention, the main body material has a tensile strength of less
than about 2500 pounds per square inch (psi) and the at least one
connector member has a tensile strength greater than the main body
material and at least about 1200 psi. The flexible polymer material
and the rigid material may be track resistant polymer materials
In further embodiments of the present invention, the main body
includes a central portion configured to be positioned adjacent the
insulator. A first line cover portion extends from the central
portion and a second line cover portion extends from the central
portion in a direction substantially opposite from the first line
cover portion. The first and second line cover portions may also
each include a corrugated portion adjacent the central portion that
further increases rotational flexibility of the line cover portions
relative to the central portion. The connector member(s) may be
selected from the group consisting of a mechanical clamp, a
displacement spring clip, a swinging clamp and a ratcheting clamp.
In particular embodiments, the connector member(s) are displacement
clip(s) molded into the main body. In some embodiments, the
connector member(s) are coupled to the main body by fastener(s),
such as threaded fastener(s).
In other embodiments of the present invention, an extender arm is
coupled to the first line cover portion and extends from the
central portion. The extender arm may be a rigid material and may
be the same material as the connector member(s). In particular
embodiments, at least one of the connector member(s) is a
displacement clip and the extender arm and the at least one
connector member(s) have substantially identical profiles, such as
an omega profile. A second extender arm may be coupled to the
second line cover portion and extend in a direction substantially
opposite from the first line cover portion.
In further embodiments of the present invention, a releasable snap
connector couples the extender arm to the first line cover portion.
The snap connector may be a tab portion on an end of one of the
first line cover portion and the extender arm and a corresponding
opening on an adjacent end of the other of the first line cover
portion and the extender arm. Alternatively, other type of
connectors, such as fasteners, may be used to couple the extender
arm to the line cover portion.
In other embodiments of the present invention one of the connector
members is positioned in the first line cover portion to couple to
a line extending from the insulator in a first direction and
another of the connector members is positioned in the second line
cover portion to couple to a line extending from the insulator in a
second direction different from the first direction. A third
connector member may be positioned in the central portion to couple
to the insulator. The cover may further include an installation aid
attachment portion in at least one of the main body and at least
one connector member, the installation aid attachment portion being
configured to engage an end of an installation aid, such as a hot
stick, for installation of the cover on the distribution lines.
In further embodiments of the present invention, the rotational
flexibility of the line cover portions accommodates a deviation of
tip to about 25 degrees between an axis defined by a line extending
from the insulator under the first line cover portion and an axis
defined by a line extending from the insulator under the second
cover portion. The line extending from the insulator under the
first line cover portion and the line extending from the insulator
under the second cover portion may be the same line, such as a
power line passing by the utility pole and connected to the utility
pole by an insulator.
In other embodiments of the present invention, methods are provided
for covering distribution lines coupled to an insulator. A cover is
provided comprising a main body of a flexible polymer material
configured to be positioned adjacent the insulator and at least one
connector member connected to the main body, the connector member
being a rigid material. The cover is placed adjacent the insulator.
An end of the main body is flexed to align with one of the
distribution lines extending from the insulator. The connector
member is connected to at least one of the insulator or the one of
the distribution lines. Connecting the connector member may include
connecting the connector member to the insulator. A connector
member may instead or also be positioned in the end of the main
body and connecting the connector member may include connecting the
connector member to the one of the distribution lines.
In further embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of
connector members are provided and flexing an end of the main body
includes flexing a first end of the main body to align with a first
line extending from the insulator in a first direction. A second
end of the main body is flexed to align with a second line
extending from the insulator in a second direction, different from
the first direction. A first one of the connector members in the
first end is connected to the first line and a second one of the
connector members in the second end of the main body is connected
to the second line. A third one of the connector members may be
positioned in the main body and connected to the insulator.
In other embodiments of the present invention, an extender arm is
connected to the first end of the main body. The extender arm is
positioned to extend over the first line in the first direction.
Another extender arm may be connected to the second end of the main
body. The second extender arm is positioned to extend over the
second line in the second direction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating a cover for
distribution lines according to some embodiments of the present
invention applied to power distribution lines at a utility
pole;
FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating a cover for
distribution lines according to other embodiments of the present
invention applied to power distribution lines at a utility
pole;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a cover for distribution
lines according to some embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a cover for distribution
lines according to some embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a cover for distribution lines
according to some embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a top exploded perspective view of a cover for
distribution lines according to some embodiments of the present
invention;
FIG. 6A is a top plane view of a cover for distribution lines
according to some embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 6B is a top plane view of the cover of FIG. 6A in a flexed
position;
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a cover for distribution lines
with an engagement arm adjacent the main body according to some
embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 7A with the
engagement arm coupled to the main body;
FIG. 8A is a top plane view of a cover for distribution lines over
an insulator according to other embodiments of the present
invention;
FIG. 8B is a bottom plane view of the cover of FIG. 8A in a flexed
position;
FIG. 8C is a perspective view of a cover for distribution lines
according to other embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 8D is a perspective view of an extender arm according to other
embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an omega clip, displacement spring
type connector member according to some embodiments of the present
invention;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a displacement spring type
connector member according to other embodiments of the present
invention;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a mechanical clamp type connector
member according to some embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a ratcheting clamp type connector
member according to some embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an extender arm according to some
embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating methods for covering
distribution lines according to some embodiments of the present
invention; and
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating methods for covering
distribution lines according to other embodiments of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative
embodiments of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the
relative sizes of regions or features may be exaggerated for
clarity. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different
forms and should not he construed as limited to the embodiments set
forth herein, rather, these embodiments are provided so that this
disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the
scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with
reference to the various embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-15.
FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of a cover 100 according to
some embodiments of the present invention installed over an
insulator on a utility pole of a power distribution system. It is
to be understood that utility poles, such as the utility pole 55 of
FIG. 1, may take a variety of configurations, sizes and shapes for
supporting one or more utility lines including, for example, power
distribution/transmission lines. The poles may be used to support
the lines high above the ground. Birds have been known to land and
perch on the pole 55, as well as on the associated cross members
60, 60', lines 70, 75, 80, 85 and insulators 65, 65'.
Some birds having large wing spans and are vulnerable to shock and
electrocution from electrical power lines. In particular, birds of
prey, such as raptors (eagles, osprey, owls and so on) and other
large birds may have sufficient wing spans so that the bird with
wing extended can contact two adjoining power lines or wires
mounted to the same power pole. The lines at the pole, although not
necessarily parallel, may be sufficiently proximate so that the
wings of a bird can span the distance between the two lines
proximate the support structure or utility pole. When the bird
takes off or lands, the wings are extended and may extend or
present a wing span sufficient for the wings to touch and cause an
electrical short between the two lines and, in turn, may lead to a
short circuit and shock or electrocution of the bird. Electrical
service interruptions may also result.
FIG. 1A illustrates a utility pole 55 having a cross bar 60, 60'
mounted near the top of the pole. A first power line extending from
an insulator 65 defines a first line 70 extending from the
insulator 65 in a first direction and a second line 75 extending
from the insulator 65 in a second direction. An axis defined by the
first line 70 and an axis defined by the second line 75 may not be
parallel and define an angle of alignment of the lines 70, 75
relative to the insulator 65. Similarly, lines 80, 85 extend from
the insulator 65'. The insulators 65, 65' may, for example, be made
of glass, porcelain, polymer, or similar insulating material. The
insulators 65, 65' may be secured by bolts or other similar
structures to fasten them to the cross bar 60, 60'. The power line
80, 85 is in turn coupled to the insulator 65 and the power line
70, 75 is coupled to the insulator 65' to provide an electrically
insulated attachment of the power lines to the utility pole 55.
As shown in FIG. 1A, the cover 100 is positioned adjacent to and
partially covering the insulator 65' and over portions of the first
line 70 and the second line 75. The cover 100 also includes
connector members 120, 124, respectively connected to the second
line 75 and the first line 70. A third connector member may be
coupled to the insulator 65'. In addition, extender arms 192, 192'
are shown connected to the main body of the cover 100 and extending
therefrom over the lines 70, 75, respectively.
Although the first line 70 and the second line 75 are shown as
being in substantially parallel alignment in FIG. 1A, lines mounted
to a support structure may extend in different directions from an
insulator and need not be straight or in axial alignment. The lines
70, 75, 80, 85 arc also shown in FIG. 1A as being located
substantially in the same plane or at the same elevation above the
ground. However, multiple cross bars may be mounted to the pole 55
at different heights with lines at different elevations.
Furthermore, the insulators may extend vertically or horizontally
from the cross members or directly from the pole. The precise
configuration and orientation of the support structure, as well as
the orientation of the supported lines may, therefore, vary from
that shown in FIG. 1A and the present invention is not limited to
use with the particular support structure configuration shown in
FIG. 1A.
FIG. 1B illustrates further embodiments of a cover 100' positioned
adjacent an insulator 65 extending horizontally from a utility pole
55. The cover 100' includes first and second connector members
120', 124' connected to the line 70, 75. Extender arms 192' are
shown connected to the main body of the cover 100' and extending
along the line 70, 75 from the main body. The cover 100' is
positioned aside and partially covering the insulator 65 while the
cover 100 of FIG. 1 A is illustrated as over and covering the
vertically extending insulator 65'.
Embodiments of a cover for distribution lines attached to a
insulator will now be further described with reference to the
exploded perspective illustration of FIG. 2. As shown for the
embodiments of FIG. 2, the cover 200 includes a main body 210 and
three connector members 220, 222, 224. The connector members 220,
222, 224 are made from a rigid material as contrasted with the
flexible polymer material of the main body 210. The main body 210
may, for example, be a flexible track resistant material, such as
an insulating grade, ultra-violet (UV) stable polymer. The material
of the main body 210 in particular embodiments has a tensile
strength from about 1000 pounds per square inch (psi) to about 2500
psi. The connector members 220, 222, 224 may also be a polymer,
such as an insulating track resistant polymer. More particularly,
the the connector members 220, 222, 224 are more rigid than the
main body 210. In particular embodiments, the tensile strength of
the connector members 220, 222, 224 ranges from about 1200 psi to
about 10,000 psi. In some embodiments, the main body 210 has a
tensile strength of less than about 2500 psi and the connector
members 220, 222, 224 have a tensile strength greater than the main
body 210 and at least about 1200 psi.
By providing different rigidity materials for the main body 210 and
the connector members 220, 222, 224, reliable holding strength may
be provided on lines extending from the insulator while still
providing a flexible configuration so as to adjust to various
angles of approach of the lines to the insulator. The rigid
connector members 220, 222, 224 may provide a reliable grip on the
distribution lines while the main body 210 may be flexed to adjust
to the angles. The use of a track resistant material in particular
embodiments may provide long-term reliability substantially
equivalent to the expected lifetime of typical insulators and
distribution lines. Accordingly, the use of a cover, such as the
cover 210, installed on distribution lines, such as power lines, at
insulator connection points may help to prevent animal caused
electrical flashovers.
As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 210 includes a central portion
230 configured to be positioned adjacent and partially over an
insulator. The relationship of embodiments such as those shown in
FIG. 2 to an insulator is further illustrated in FIG. 8B, which
illustrates a main body 710 installed over an insulator 701 and
distribution lines 703, 704 extending from the insulator 701. As
can be seen from the arrangement in FIG. 8B, the central portion
230 of FIG. 2 includes a connection chamber 232 configured to
receive the connector member 222, which in turn couples to the
insulator.
Referring again to FIG. 2, the main body 210 further includes a
first line cover portion 234 extending from the central portion 230
and a second line cover portion 236 extending from the central
portion 230 in a direction substantially opposite from the first
line cover portion 234. The first line cover portion 234 includes a
corrugated portion 238 adjacent the central portion 230 that
increases rotational flexibility of the first line cover portion
234 relative to the central portion 230. The use of a corrugated
portion 238 may further extend the adjustability of the cover 200
for different line approach angles to the insulator beyond the
flexibility and range provided by the use of the flexible material
for the main body 210. Similarly, the second line cover portion 236
illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a corrugated portion 240 adjacent a
central portion 230 that increases rotational flexibility of the
second line cover portion 236 relative to the central portion 230.
Also shown in the embodiments of FIG. 2 are an extension portion
250 extending from the first line cover portion 234 and extension
portion 260 extending from the second line cover portion 236. In
various embodiments, the extension portions 250, 260 may be
extender arms coupled to the respective line cover portions 234,
236 and/or may provide a connector region to which an extender arm
may be attached.
As shown in FIG. 2, the connector members 220, 222, 224 are
displacement spring clip type connectors. More particularly, the
line connector members 220, 224 are omega clip type connectors.
However, a variety of other types of connectors may be used in
various embodiments of the present invention including mechanical
clamps, swing clamps, ratcheting clamps, and the like. Furthermore,
while the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 2, include three
connector members, with one connector member 220 in the first line
cover portion 234 to couple to a line extending from an insulator
in a first direction and a second connector member 224 positioned
in the second line cover portion 236 to couple to a line extending
from the insulator in a second direction and a third connector
member 222 positioned in the connection chamber 232 to couple to
the insulator, the present invention is not limited to such
embodiments and may use more or less connector members than
illustrated in FIG. 2.
Referring now to the perspective view illustration of FIGS. 3 and
4, further embodiments of the present invention will now be
described. As shown for the cover 300 in FIGS. 3 and 4, three
connectors members 320, 322, 324 are connected to the main body
310. The main body 310 includes a central portion 330 and first and
second line cover portions 334, 336 including respective corrugated
portions 338, 340. The connector member 322 is positioned in the
connection chamber 332 of the central portion 330. The connector
member 320 is positioned in the line cover portion 334 while the
connector member 324 is positioned in the line cover portion 336.
An extender arm connecting portion 350 extends from the line cover
portion 334 while an extender arm connector portion 360 extends
from the line cover portion 336. As further illustrated in FIG. 4,
for the cover 300, the connector members 320, 322, 324 are molded
into the main body 310 in respective regions 370, 372, 374 of the
main body 310. However, as shown it alternative embodiments of a
cover 400 illustrated in FIG. 5, the connector members may be
coupled to the main body in a variety of fashions.
Referring to FIG. 5, the cover 400 includes a main body 410 and
connector members 420, 422, 424. The main body 410 includes the
central portion 430 having a connection chamber 432 that receives
the connector member 422. Line cover portions 434, 436 extend from
the central portion 430 in respective directions. The line cover
portions 434, 436 include corrugated portions 438, 440. Extension
portions 450, 460 extend from the respective line cover portions
434, 436 to provide additional length of coverage over lines
extending from an insulator protected by the cover 400.
Also showing in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 5 are fasteners
480. The fasteners 480 connect the respective connector members
420, 422, 424 to the main body 410. For the embodiments illustrated
in FIG. 5, the fasteners 480 are threaded fasteners. The threaded
fasteners 480 may be self-tapping fasteners or a passage may be
provided through the main body 410 and a threaded passage may be
provided in the upper portions of the connectors members 420, 422,
424 to allow screwing of the fasteners 480 into the connector
members 420, 422, 424. Also, the fasteners may be inserted first
through passages in the connector members and threadably engage the
main body. While the fasteners 480 are illustrated in FIG. 5 as
threaded fasteners, it is to be understood that a variety of
different types of known connectors may be used in place of the
threaded fasteners such as molded in place connector, a one-way
fastener/clip and the like.
Covers according to various embodiments of the present invention
will now be described further with reference to FIG. 6A and FIG.
6B. FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are top views of a cover 500 according to
embodiments of the present invention in an aligned and flexed
position respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, a first axis. A1
is defined by a line extending from the insulator under the cover
500 in a first direction under a first line cover portion. A second
axis A2 is defined by a line extending from the cover 500 in a
second direction under a second line cover portion. As shown in
FIG. 6B, the respective line cover portions extending from the
central portion of the cover 500 are flexed with the first line
cover portion extending over the axis A1 rotated to an angle
.alpha. relative to the rest state illustrated in FIG. 6A while the
second line cover extending along the axis A2 is rotated to an
angle .alpha.' relative to the rest state illustrated in FIG. 6A.
While the angles .alpha., .alpha.' are shown as substantially
identical in FIG. 6B, it is to be understood that the respective
line cover portions may be rotated to different angles as needed
based on the angle of approach of the lines extending from an
insulator protected by the cover 500. In particular embodiments of
the present invention, the flexible material selected for the cover
500 and the configuration of any corrugated portions are selected
to provide a rotational flexibility of the line cover portions to
accommodate a deviation of up to about 25 degrees between the axis
A1 and the axis A2.
Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, further embodiments of the
present invention including a detachable extender arm will now be
further described. FIG. 7A is a perspective view showing the
extender arm 690 detached from the main body 610 of the cover 600
while FIG. 7B shows the extender arm 690 connected to the main body
610 of the cover 600. FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate only one line
cover portion 636 but it is to be understood that, in various
embodiments of the present invention, a second line cover portion
having a substantially identical configuration may be provided for
the main body 610 to allow the cover 600 to include extender arms
690 attached to each of a plurality of line cover portions.
As shown in FIG. 7A, a connector member 624 is molded into the main
body 610 in a connector receiving portion 672 of the main body 610.
The line cover portion 636 includes a corrugated portion 640 and an
extender arm connector portion 660. For the particular embodiments
illustrated in FIG. 7A, a releasable snap connector 692, 694
couples the extender arm 690 to the line cover portion 636 at the
extender arm connector portion 660. More particularly, for the
embodiments illustrated in FIG. 7A, the releasable snap connector
includes a tab portion 692 on the extender arm connector portion
660 and a corresponding opening 694 positioned on the extender arm
690 so as to engage the tab 692 when the extender arm 690 is
positioned over the connector portion 660. However, it is to be
understood that the tab 692 may be provided on the extender arm 690
with the opening on the connector portion 660 of the main body 610.
It is also to be understood that, while illustrated in FIG. 7B with
the extender arm 690 positioned over the connector portion 660, in
further embodiments of the present invention, the connector portion
660 may be positioned over the extender arm 690.
In various embodiments of the present invention, the extender arm
690 is a rigid material. In particular embodiments, the connector
member 624 and the extender arm 690 may be the same material.
Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, the connector member 624
may be a displacement clip and the extender arm 690 and the
connector member 624 may have substantially identical profiles,
such as the omega profile illustrated for the extender arm 690 in
FIG. 7A.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are a top plan view and a bottom perspective view
of a cover 700 positioned over an insulator 701 and a first
distribution line 703 and a second distribution line 704. As shown
in FIG. 8B, the first line 703 and second line 704 are a single
distribution line extending from the insulator 701 in two
directions. The insulator. 701 may be attached to a support
structure, such as a utility pole, by a bracket 702. The line 703,
704 is, in turn, connected to the insulator 701 by the connector
mechanism 796 as shown in FIG. 8B. Also shown in FIG. 8B are a
first extender arm 790 and a second extender arm 792 extending from
the main body 710 in substantially opposite directions. A connector
member 720 connects the cover 700 to the line 704. A further
connector member 724 connects the cover 700 to the line 703. A
third connector member 722 connects the cover 700 to the insulator
701.
Also shown in the embodiments of FIG. 8C is an installation aid
attachment portion 752 in the main body 754 configured to engage an
end of an installation arm, such as a hot stick or shot gun, for
live installation of the cover 750 on distribution lines. While the
attachment portion is illustrated as being in the main body in FIG.
8C, it is to be understood that one or more of the connector
members may include the attachment portion for receiving the
installation aid. Furthermore, while only one installation aid
attachment portion is illustrated, a plurality of installation aid
attachment portions may be included in the main body and/or
connector members in various embodiments of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 8D, installation aid attachment portion(s) 762 may
also be provided in the extender arm 760. The installation aid
attachment portion(s) 762 may be provided instead of or in addition
to the installation aid attachment portion 752 in the main body
754.
A variety of different connector members suitable for use with
embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in FIGS. 9-12.
FIG. 9 illustrates an omega clip type displacement spring connector
920. The omega clip 920, as shown in FIG. 9, includes an upper
spring portion 935 including a top portion 940 and arms 945
extending from the top portion 940 to respective clip arms 925,
930. The illustrated connector member 920 also includes a retaining
arm 947. The retaining arm 947 has an upward curving profile to
facilitate passage of a distribution line into the connector member
920 while resisting removal of the distribution line from the
connecting member 920.
A further embodiment of a displacement spring type connector is
illustrated in FIG. 10. The connector member 1020 shown in FIG. 10
includes clip arms 1025, 1030 and an upper spring portion 1035
having a top portion 1040 and arms 1045 extending from the top
portion 1040 to the clip members 1025, 1030. FIG. 11 illustrates a
mechanical clamp connecting member 1196. FIG. 12 illustrates a
ratcheting clamp 1296 having a swinging arm.
FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of an extender arm 1390 having an
omega clip profile and an opening 1394 for use in connecting the
extender arm 1390 to a main body. It is to be understood that the
length of the extender arm 1390 may be selected for particular
configurations to provide the desired length of insulating coverage
for a line extending from an insulator at a supporting member to
provide a desired length of coverage for protection against
electric shorting by birds or other animals landing near the cover.
Furthermore, it is to be understood that different extender arm
lengths may be used in combination for different lines extending
from a cover according to various embodiments of the present
invention.
The flowcharts of FIGS. 14-15 illustrate the architecture,
functionality, and operation of possible implementations of methods
for covering distribution lines connected to an insulator according
to some embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted
that, in some alternative implementations, the acts noted in the
blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For
example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed
substantially concurrently, or the blocks may be executed in the
reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.
As shown in the embodiments of FIG. 14, operations for covering
distribution lines coupled to an insulator begin at Block 1410 by
providing a cover including a main body of a flexible polymer
material configured to fit over the insulator and one or more
connector members connected to the main body of a rigid material,
such as described previously with reference to the various
embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-13. The cover is placed adjacent the
insulator (Block 1420). The adjacent placement may be fully over
and/or partially over and/or aside the insulator. An end of the
main body is flexed to align with one of the distribution lines
extending from the insulator (Block 1430). One or more connector
members of the cover are connected to the insulator and/or the
distribution lines (Block 1440).
Methods according to further embodiments of the present invention
for covering distribution lines coupled to an insulator will now be
described with reference to the flow chart illustration of FIG. 15.
For the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 15, operations begin with
placing a cover, such as the cover embodiments illustrated in FIGS.
10-13, adjacent the insulator. If the cover includes a connector
member for connecting to the insulator (Block 1505), the insulator
connector member, is connected to the insulator (Block 1510). A
first end of the main body of the cover is flexed to align with a
first line extending from the insulator a first direction (Block
1515). If a connector member is provided in the cover for the first
end so as to connect to the first line (Block 1520), then the first
line connector member is connected to the first line (Block
1525).
For the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 15, a second flexible end
is provided in the cover and the second end of the main body is
flexed to align with a second line extending from the insulator in
a second direction different from the first direction (Block 1530).
If a connector member is provided in the second end for connection
to the second line (Block 1535), the second end connector member is
connected to the second line (Block 1540). If one or more extender
arms are desired to be used with the cover (Block 1545), the
extender arm(s) are connected to the main body of the cover (Block
1550). One of the extender arms may be positioned connected to the
first end of the main body so as to extend over the first line in
the first direction while a second extender arm coupled to the
second end of the main body may be positioned to extend over the
second line in the second direction.
The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not
to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary
embodiments of this invention have been described those skilled in
the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are
possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing
from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention.
Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included
within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. In the
claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the
structures described herein as performing the recited function and
not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.
Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is
illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as
limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that
modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other
embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the
appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims,
with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.
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